Dr Vanessa Lawrence CB, former director general and CEO of Ordnance Survey, has been announced as guest of honour at the 2025 Stationers’ Company Innovation Excellence Awards

An internationally recognised geographer, business leader and speaker, Dr Lawrence will present the coveted Innovator of the Year award at the ceremony, which takes place at Stationers’ Hall in London on 17 October.

With more than 35 years’ experience in digital data and geospatial information, Dr Lawrence was the first woman to lead Ordnance Survey in its 200-year history and later co-chaired the United Nations Committee on Global Geospatial Information Management. She now runs Location International, advising governments, global bodies and major companies on location data and space applications.

Now in their 11th year, the Innovation Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding creativity across the communications and content industries. Shortlisted entries span six categories, from start-ups to education technology, with winners to be announced at a champagne reception and lunch.

Awards co-chairs Vida Barr-Jones and Kate Howell said: “It is a privilege to welcome Dr Vanessa Lawrence to the ceremony this year. Innovation is vital for organisations to remain relevant and competitive, and the event will be made even more special by the presence of such an inspirational trailblazer.”

A limited number of early bird tickets remain available for the event.